Swaged synthetic cable terminations

ABSTRACT

A connecting system which allows a standard rigging fixture to be connected to a synthetic cable termination by swaging. The cable termination is provided with a swaging sleeve. When the standard rigging fixture is placed next to the termination, this swaging sleeve is swaged over a portion of the standard rigging fixture in order to lock the standard rigging fixture to the termination. The provision of the swaging sleeve on the termination is accomplished using a variety of approaches, including forming the swaging sleeve as part of an anchor, providing a separate swaging sleeve attached by threads, and forming the anchor and swaging sleeve with two separate swaging operations.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional patent application claiming the benefit, under37 CFR §1.53, of several earlier-filed provisional applications. Theearlier-filed applications are as follows: Ser. No. Named Inventor(s)Filing Date 60/644,169 Richard V. Campbell, Jan. 14, 2005 Kevin J.Barefield 60/644,170 Richard V. Campbell, Jan. 14, 2005 Kevin J.Barefield 60/693,687 Richard v. Campbell Jun. 24, 2005

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of synthetic cables. Morespecifically, the invention comprises devices for attaching standardcable rigging fixtures to an end of a synthetic cable using swagingtechniques.

2. Description of the Related Art

Devices for mounting a termination on the end of a wire, rope, or cableare disclosed in detail in copending U.S. Application Ser. No.60/404,973 to Campbell, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The individual components of a cable are known by various terms, such as“fibers,” “wires,” or “strands.” The nomenclature used often depends onthe material used—such as steel “wire,” hemp “fibers,” or Kevlar“strands.” This invention disclosed herein can be applied to virtuallyany type of cable assembly, though its main application is for use withsynthetic cables. For purposes of uniformity, the individual componentsof the cables described will be referred to as “strands” throughout thisapplication.

Some type of fitting must typically be added to a cable in order totransmit a load to the cable. An old example of this idea is to wrap oneend of a cable back upon itself—usually around an “eye” or “thimble”device—then clamp the cable to itself with one or more U-bolts. Theresulting assembly on the end of the cable is referred to as a“termination.”

A more sophisticated approach is to provide a specialized fitting whichcan be deformed to lock it onto the end of a cable. This approach hastraditionally been used with wire ropes. FIG. 1 shows a prior art wirerope 14. Standard rigging fixture 16 includes a socket 20 encompassed bya sleeve. The external surface of this sleeve is denoted as swagingsurface 22. Some type of attachment feature is typically included—inthis case eye 19.

Standard rigging fixture 16 is designed to be attached by a swagingoperation. Those skilled in the art will know that the term “swaging”generally refers to plastically deforming one part over another part inorder to lock them together. One example is swaging an automotivebattery terminal onto the end of an electrical cable. A similaroperation is carried out with the assembly of FIG. 1. Wire rope 14 isinserted into socket 20. Swaging surface 22 is then compressed in aswaging die.

FIG. 2 shows the assembly after the swaging operation. The diameter ofthe swaging surface has been plastically reduced in swaged region 24.The material has actually flowed plastically, meaning that the overalllength is increased and the diameter reduced. The material is alsocompressed into the cavities between the wire rope strands, creating amechanical interlock.

Swaging is often done with two piece or three piece dies. A deformedridge may be created between the dies. A second swaging operation isdone to eliminate this ridge. For a two-piece die, the first result isrotated about 90 degrees and re-swaged. For a three-piece die, the firstresult is rotated about 60 degrees and re-swaged. Three or more swagingsteps may be needed to create a smooth and uniform exterior (if that itdesired).

The result is the assembly shown in FIG. 2. The arrows depict thecompressive forces of the swaging die, which has produced the deformedstate shown. Those skilled in the art will know that swaging produces avery secure and predictable attachment. It is a mature technology forwhich processes and tools are widely understood and available. Thus,swaging is a very popular approach to attaching fixtures to wire rope.

There are many rigging fixtures designed for swaging. FIG. 3 shows a fewof these rigging fixtures. All incorporate a swaging surface 22. Fromleft to right, FIG. 3 depicts an eye fixture, a threaded stud fixture, ahook fixture, and a T-hook ball fixture. All of these can be attached toa wire rope by the previously-described swaging operation. This factgives the cable manufacturer great flexibility. A stock of wire rope andstandard rigging fixtures can be maintained. When an order is placed,the manufacturer cuts the cable to length and swages on the desiredrigging fixtures.

These rigging fixtures are largely standardized. As they aremanufactured in large volumes, they are relatively inexpensive. Thus,the traditional field of wire rope manufacturing enjoys a considerableeconomy of scale.

The field of synthetic cables has not traditionally enjoyed thisflexibility or economy, since the prior art approach for creating swagedterminations does not work well for synthetic cables. Synthetic cableshave very fine strands. The strands also tend to be quite slick. Veryhigh swaging pressures are therefore required to produce an acceptablejoint. These high pressures tend to kink and distort the individualstrands, since synthetic strands tend to have poor compressiveresistance. Thus, the techniques described in FIGS. 1 and 2 are illsuited for use with synthetic cables.

FIG. 4 shows a termination which is typical for synthetic cables.Termination 12 is affixed to the end of a synthetic cable (shownsectioned in half for visual clarity). Anchor 18 is attached to thestrands of the synthetic cable by a variety of techniques. The versionshown is attached by potting a length of strands into an expandingcentral cavity through the anchor.

The term “potting”—which is well known to those skilled in the art—canbe described as follows: The cable strands are typically splayed into adiverging pattern and infused with liquid potting compound (using avariety of known techniques). The liquid potting compound is anysubstance which transitions from a liquid to a solid over time. The mostcommon example would be a cross-linking adhesive such as an epoxy. Thoseskilled in the art know that such adhesives use two separate liquidswhich cross-link when mixed together. Such a liquid is mixed just priorto wetting the strands.

The wetted strands are at some point placed in a cavity within theanchor (in some cases prior to wetting and in some cases after wetting),so that when the liquid potting compound hardens the strands will belocked to the anchor. The anchor and the portion of cable locked thereinare then collectively referred to as a termination.

Potted region 44 consists of strands locked within the solidifiedpotting compound. The anchor is thereby attached to the cable. Theanchor has a first end which is approximately even with the end of thecable and a second end proximate to the cable but distal to the end ofthe cable (the lower end in the orientation shown in the view).

The termination of FIG. 4 is an effective attachment of an anchor to asynthetic cable. FIG. 5 shows completed termination 12 alongside astandard rigging fixture 16. The reader will observe that thetermination is not configured to be attached to the standard riggingfixture. Thus, the hardware traditionally used for terminating asynthetic cable is ill-suited for use with standard rigging fixturestraditionally used for terminating wire rope.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention comprises devices which allow a standard riggingfixture to be connected to a synthetic cable termination by swaging. Thecable termination is provided with a swaging sleeve. When the standardrigging fixture is placed near the end of the termination, this swagingsleeve is swaged over a portion of the standard rigging fixture in orderto lock the standard rigging fixture to the termination.

The provision of the swaging sleeve on the termination is accomplishedusing a variety of approaches, including forming the swaging sleeve aspart of an anchor, providing a separate swaging sleeve attached bythreads, and forming the anchor and swaging sleeve with two separateswaging operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prior art rigging fixture.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the attachment of the prior artrigging fixture to a wire rope.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing an assortment of prior art riggingfixtures.

FIG. 4 is a section view, showing a termination for a synthetic cable.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing a synthetic cable terminationalongside a prior art rigging fixture.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, showing a first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6B is a section view, showing a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view, showing how a swaging couplerslides onto a prior art rigging fixture.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing a swaging coupler swaged to aprior art rigging fixture.

FIG. 9 is a sectioned elevation view, showing the swage of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectioned elevation view, showing a swage using non-taperedwall sections.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, showing a completed cable and riggingfixture assembly.

FIG. 12 is a partial section view, showing the assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a partial section view, showing the use of a “spike and cone”termination in place of a potted termination.

FIG. 14 is an exploded section view, showing a different type of swagingcoupler.

FIG. 15 is a partial section view, showing the components of FIG. 14 inan assembled state.

FIG. 16 is a section view, showing the addition of a swaging sleeve tothe anchor itself.

FIG. 17 is a partial section view, showing the components of FIG. 16 inan assembled state.

FIG. 18 is a section view, showing a threaded connection of a swagingsleeve to an anchor.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of aprior art rigging fixture.

FIG. 20 is a section view, showing the rigging fixture of FIG. 19attached by swaging.

FIG. 21 is a partial section view, showing a swaging sleeve attached toa pre-molded termination.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view, showing the addition of internal ribs toa swaging sleeve.

FIG. 23 is a partial section view, showing the use of a swaging sleeveto attach a bolt to an anchor.

FIG. 24 is a partial section view, showing the use of a spacer toaccommodate a swaging sleeve and rigging fixture of different size.

FIG. 25 is a partial section view, showing the use of a plug toreinforce a swaged connection.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an internal swaging sleeve.

FIG. 27 is a section view, showing a completed assembly using theinternal swaging sleeve.

FIG. 28 is a partial section view, showing a different type oftermination in combination with a swaging coupler.

FIG. 29 is a partial section view, showing a different type oftermination in combination with a swaging coupler.

FIG. 30 is a partial section view, showing a different type ofconnection between the swaging sleeve and the anchor.

FIG. 31 is a partial section view, showing the use of a flanged swagingsleeve.

FIG. 32 is a partial section view, showing the use of a locking ring toaugment the swaging

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10 cable 12 termination 14 wire rope 16 standard rigging fixture 18anchor 19 eye 20 socket 22 swaging surface 24 swaged region 26 malethreaded anchor 28 threaded coupler 30 swaging coupler 31 male thread 32swaging sleeve 34 socket 36 strands 37 swaged region 38 spike 40 anchorswage 42 swaging coupler 44 potted region 46 relief 48 female thread 50threaded shank 54 cannelure 56 swaged region 58 molded region 60internal rib 62 enlarged portion 64 spacer 65 flared portion 66reinforcing plug 68 internal swaging sleeve 70 knot 72 cross pin 74 hole76 interwoven section 78 anchor seat 80 flanged swaging sleeve 82threaded coupler 84 overhang 86 flange 88 locking rib 90 ring recess

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A goal of the present invention is to allow the use of standard riggingfixtures with terminations suitable for use on synthetic cables. FIG. 6depicts an assembly which can accomplish this goal. Prior art anchor18—as shown in FIG. 4—has been modified by adding a male thread to aportion of its outer surface. The revised anchor is designated malethreaded anchor 26. Its internal features are similar to the prior artanchor. It contains an expanding cavity which securely holds the pottedstrands on the end of cable 10. The expanding cavity can assume manyforms in addition to the conical shape shown.

Threaded coupler 28 screws over the male threads on the outside of malethreaded anchor 26. The reader will note that threaded coupler 28includes an internal (female) thread running from one end to the other.Swaging coupler 30 includes male thread 31, which is sized to screw intothreaded coupler 28. Thus, male threaded anchor 26, threaded coupler 28,and swaging coupler 30 can all be screwed together. Swaging coupler 30includes swaging sleeve 32 on the end opposite male thread 31.

FIG. 6B shows a section view of the assembly screwed together. The useof these components has provided the anchor with a swaging sleeveattached to the anchor and extending away from the cable. This swagingsleeve allows the anchor to be attached to a piece of standard rigginghardware using standard swaging techniques.

FIG. 7 shows swaging coupler 30 positioned for assembly with standardrigging fixture 16. Swaging surface 22 on standard rigging fixture 16slides into socket 34 in swaging coupler 30. Once the two components arethus mated, the overlapping portions are placed in a swaging die andswaged one or more times. Depending on the swaging die used, the resultmay look something like FIG. 8. Swaging sleeve 32 on swaging coupler 30has been swaged inward to compress the overlapping portion. The swagingforces are graphically depicted by the arrows.

FIG. 9 shows a section view of the overlap. The reader will observe howthe deformation has caused swaging sleeve 32 (on the swaging coupler) tooverlap and “trap” swaging surface 22 on the standard rigging fixturethrough swaged region 24. Those skilled in the art will know that thistype of swaged connection will withstand substantial tensile forces.

Those skilled in the art will also know that the tapered type ofconnection shown in FIG. 9 is only one type among many. FIG. 10 showsthe same components swaged together with a straight connection. Astraight connection operates like a press fit. Though possibly not asstrong as a tapered connection (which features a mechanicalinterference) the straight connection can nevertheless withstandsubstantial tensile force and is suitable for many applications. Thereader should therefore not view the invention as being confined to anyparticular type off swaged connection.

FIG. 11 shows a completed assembly, ready for use. FIG. 12 is a partialsection view of the same assembly, showing internal details. Cable 10 islocked into male threaded anchor 26. Threaded coupler 28 joins malethreaded anchor 26 to swaging coupler 30. Swaging coupler 30 isconnected to standard rigging fixture 16 by a swaged connection (swagedregion 24).

The assembly shown in FIG. 12 could be created by combining twosubassemblies. A cable is terminated by providing a male threaded anchor26 (the first subassembly). A standard rigging fixture 16 is prepared byswaging it to a swaging coupler 30 (the second subassembly). When acompleted cable assembly is needed, the manufacturer then connects thefirst subassembly to the second subassembly with threaded coupler 28.The reader should bear in mind that the cable manufacturer wouldtypically have a variety of standard rigging fixtures on hand (such asthe four shown in FIG. 3). Although an “eye” type fixture is shown inmost of the drawings, virtually any prior art fixture can be used. Thus,the manufacturer gains the flexibility of using the variety of availableprior art rigging fixtures.

Although a potted termination has been illustrated in FIGS. 4-12, thereader should not think of the invention as being limited to this typeof connection between the anchor and the cable. The invention can beapplied to any termination connected to the end of a cable, however theconnection is made. As a second example, FIG. 13 (another partialsection view) shows a “spike and cone” type termination. In thisembodiment, swaging coupler 30 is provided with spike 38 which protrudesinto the expanding cavity within the anchor when the components areassembled. Spike 38 compresses strands 36 between the spike and thesurrounding cavity wall within the anchor. The strands are thusmechanically gripped and the anchor is secured to the end of the cableby mechanical friction alone. The balance of the assembly shown in FIG.13 is identical to the one shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A swaging sleeve ispresent and it has been swaged over a portion of the standard riggingfixture to create a swaged joint.

FIG. 28 shows a connection made between the cable and the anchor byforming knot 70 inside the tapered cavity within male threaded anchor26. The knot is too large to pass through the opening in the anchor,thus locking the two components together.

FIG. 29 shows still another approach. A transverse hole 74 is providedthrough the anchor. Cross pin 72 is placed in this hole. A length ofcable is then wrapped around the cross pin and back on itself. Theoverlapping portion is then woven into the cable to create interwovensection 76. The creation of an interwoven portion—which is well known inthe art of cables—allows the transmission of tension from the cable,through the cross pin, and to the anchor. The reader will thereforeappreciate that there are many different ways to attach a cable to ananchor.

The reader will also appreciate that there are many different ways toattach a suitable swaging sleeve to an anchor. FIG. 14 shows analternate embodiment in a section view. A prior art anchor 18 isattached to the end of cable 10 by any suitable means. Swaging coupler42 is sized to slide closely over anchor 18 and standard rigging fixture16.

Once in place, two swaging operations are carried out to connect thestandard rigging fixture to the anchor. FIG. 15 is a partial sectionview of the completed assembly. Anchor swage 40 is formed to lock oneend of the swaging coupler over the anchor. Swaged region 37 is formedto lock the other end over the standard rigging fixture. The completedassembly is able to withstand substantial tensile force. The readershould bear in mind that each of the swaging operations (anchor swage orfixture swage) may in fact include multiple steps. As previouslydescribed, the formation of a uniform swaged joint may require two ormore clamping cycles in a swaging die, with rotation between each cycle.

The swaging sleeve can also be modified to eliminate the need for anchorswage 40. FIG. 30 shows a different approach for attaching the swagingcoupler to the anchor. In this embodiment, swaging coupler 42 isprovided with an integral anchor seat 78. This feature lies beneath theanchor (with respect to the orientation shown in the view) and capturesit once swaged region 37 is formed. Thus, there is no need for a secondswaging operation to swage a portion of the coupler over the anchoritself.

Of course, a swaging sleeve can be “attached” to an anchor by making theswaging sleeve part of the anchor itself. FIG. 16 shows such anembodiment in a section view. Anchor 18 includes swaging sleeve 32 as anintegral feature. Relief 46 can be provided so that the compressiveforces inherent in the swaging operation will not be transmitted topotted region 44 (Such forces might fracture and weaken the pottedregion). The swaging sleeve on the anchor is swaged over a portion of astandard rigging fixture, as shown in FIG. 17 (a partial section view).The standard rigging fixture is thus attached to the anchor using afeature integral to the anchor itself.

FIG. 18 shows still another approach. The anchor is provided with aportion containing female thread 48. Swaging sleeve 32 is provided witha threaded shank 50. The threaded shank is screwed into the femalethread on the anchor. Swaging sleeve 32 is swaged onto a standardrigging fixture as described previously.

Returning briefly to FIG. 1, the reader will recall that standardrigging fixture 16 is provided with socket 20 surrounded by a walldefining swaging surface 22. If the standard rigging fixture is to beused as described herein, those skilled in the art will realize thatsocket 20 is not strictly necessary. It can be omitted. Since many ofthe standard rigging fixtures are machined, the elimination of thesocket means the elimination of a machining step. Thus, eliminating thesocket reduces cost.

FIG. 19 shows a standard rigging fixture with the socket eliminated. Itstill has a swaging surface 22, but in this version the fixture is nothollow. A standard rigging fixture thus modified can still be joinedwith a swaging operation using a straight-walled swage as shown in FIG.10. Of course, being solid, the swaging surface on a rigging fixture asshown in FIG. 19 will not deform as much as on a hollow fixture.Nevertheless, an effective straight-walled swage can still be made.

Other features can be added to increase the strength of the swagedjoint. Since most standard rigging fixtures are made with turningoperations, a cannelure 54 can be cut into the exterior of swagingsleeve 22. The upper portion of the swaging sleeve attached to theanchor can then be swaged into this cannelure for extra strength. FIG.20 shows a section view of an assembly thus completed. Swaged region 56is deformed into cannelure 54, thus locking the standard rigging fixtureto the anchor. The term “cannelure” is intended to encompass any shapeof relief cut into the swaging surface, and could include asquare-shouldered notch, a “vee” notch, etc. Some cannelures do not goall the way around the object. An example would be three interruptedsections. The swaged region is then pressed into these uninterruptedsections using a “hatchet chop” operation for each of the interruptedsections.

Other variations are possible. Not all cable terminations feature aseparate anchor. In some instances, the strands on a cable's end areclamped into a mold and liquid molding compound is injected around them.When the molding compound solidifies (typically via cooling orcross-linking), a solid molded portion is formed on the cable's end.FIG. 21 shows the result of this approach, with the solid portion beinglabeled as molded region 58. This molded region then becomes the anchor,without the need for any additional device.

A swaging coupler such as the one shown in FIG. 14 can then be used toconnect a standard rigging fixture to the molded region. The completedassembly is shown as a partial section view in FIG. 21. Anchor swage 40is actually formed over molded region 58. Fixture swage 38 is formedover the standard rigging fixture.

The swaged joints have been shown with smooth walls, but this need notalways be the case. Those familiar with swaging will know thatmechanical gripping features are sometimes added to enhance the strengthof a swaged joint. FIG. 22 shows a swaging coupler 30 with a series ofinternal ribs 60 added to the internal surface of the swaging sleeve.These internal ribs can be a series of undulations. They could also be asimple screw thread, knurled pattern, or other known surfacedisturbance. When such a swaging sleeve is swaged over a smaller object,these features “bite” into the smaller object and strengthen the joint.

The devices thus disclosed can be used to attach a variety of usefulprior art components to a termination on an end of a cable. The term“standard rigging fixture” is intended to encompass a very broad rangeof such components (much broader than those shown in FIG. 3). As onegood example, it is often useful to have a simple threaded shaftattached to the end of a cable. Such a shaft can be passed through ahole. A nut and washer can then be attached, with the nut beingtightened to draw the cable taut.

FIG. 23 shows the use of a swaging coupler to attach a simple bolt to ananchor. The bolt has enlarged portion 62 (a hexagonal head) whichfacilitates the swaging operation. As before, anchor swage 40 locks oneend over the anchor, while swaged region 37 in this case locks over thebolt head and a portion of the threads. A similar swaging operationcould be used to attach a piece of threaded rod without a head. A boltor a threaded rod is within the scope of the term “prior art riggingfixture.”

Other simple components can be added to enhance the swaged connections.FIG. 24 shows a swaging coupler that is too large to secure the standardrigging fixture shown. This size mismatch can be accommodated using anannular spacer 64. First, spacer 64 is placed over the lower end (withrespect to the orientation shown in the view) of the rigging fixture.The lower end is then deformed to form flared base 65. The flared baseand spacer are then placed in the open mouth of the swaging coupler,which is formed into swaged region 37. The components are thus lockedtogether.

Other internal components can be added to reinforce the swaged joint.Returning to FIG. 12, the reader will realize that the swaged joint willoften fail by the wall of the rigging fixture deforming further inward(allowing it to slide free of the swaging coupler). In FIG. 25,reinforcing plug 66 has been added prior to the swaging operation. Thisplug is made of a relatively stiff material, so that inward deflectionof the wall of the rigging fixture is resisted. The plug can also bemodified to extend upward into the standard rigging fixture.

The preceding drawing views have depicted a larger swaging sleeve on aswaging coupler sliding over a smaller swaging surface on a standardrigging fixture. Of course, a swaged joint can be formed in the oppositeway. FIG. 26 shows a coupler having a much smaller swaging sleeve,denoted as internal swaging sleeve 68. In FIG. 27 (another sectionview), a swaged joint has been created by sliding internal swagingsleeve 68 inside swaging surface 22 on the rigging fixture (in this casean internal surface of a hollow fixture), then swaging the two into atapered interface.

FIG. 31 shows yet another approach for connecting the swaging coupler tothe anchor. Threaded coupler 82 is provided with threads for attachmentto male threaded anchor 26. Threaded coupler 82 is also provided withoverhang 84. This overhang captures flange 86 of flanged swaging sleeve80. The upper portion of flanged swaging sleeve 80 includes a swagingsleeve which can be swaged over flared portion 65 of standard riggingfixture 16 to form swaged region 37.

Other features can be included two improve the swaged connections. As anexample, other features can be placed between the two surfaces to beswaged in order to create mechanical interferences—thereby increasingthe strength of the swaged joint. FIG. 32—another partial sectionview—shows an assembly using a hard metal locking ring 88. Anon-sectioned locking ring is shown in the right side of the view. Theanchor is provided with a circumferential ring recess 90. Locking ring88 is stretched open and snapped into this ring recess. The swagingsleeve is then swaged over the ring to form swaged region 37. Thematerial of the swaging sleeve plastically deforms around the lockingring as the locking ring is tightly squeezed into ring recess 90. Astrong mechanical interference is thereby created.

Finally, there are numerous permutations of the options presented whichhave not been described in detail. As one example, the threaded swagingcoupler of FIG. 18 could be provided with an internal swaging sleeve asshown in FIGS. 26 and 27. While it is impractical to illustrate everypossible permutation, the reader will understand that the componentsdescribed can be combined in many different ways. The scope of thepresent invention should thus be defined by the following claims ratherthan any specific examples given.

1. A system for attaching a rigging fixture to an end of a syntheticcable, wherein said rigging fixture includes a swaging surface,comprising: a. an anchor, attached to said cable, wherein said anchorhas a first end proximate said end of said cable and a second endproximate to said cable but distal to said end of said cable; b. aswaging sleeve attached to said anchor and extending away from saidcable; c. wherein said swaging surface of said rigging fixture is placedproximate said anchor; and d. wherein said swaging sleeve is swaged ontosaid first swaging surface of said rigging fixture in order tomechanically lock said rigging fixture to said anchor.
 2. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchor is attached to saidcable by potting.
 3. An attachment system as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid anchor is attached to said cable by mechanical friction.
 4. Anattachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a threaded coupler; b.wherein said threaded coupler is attached to said anchor; and c. whereinsaid swaging sleeve is attached to said threaded coupler.
 5. Anattachment system as recited in claim 2, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a threaded coupler; b.wherein said threaded coupler is threadedly attached to said anchor; andc. wherein said swaging sleeve is threadedly attached to said threadedcoupler.
 6. An attachment system as recited in claim 3, wherein saidattachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. athreaded coupler; b. wherein said threaded coupler is threadedlyattached to said anchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve isthreadedly attached to said threaded coupler.
 7. An attachment system asrecited in claim 1, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeveand said anchor comprises: a. a swaging coupler, having a first end, asecond end, and a hollow interior; b. wherein said first end of saidswaging coupler is placed over said anchor so that a portion of saidanchor rests within said hollow interior; c. wherein said second end ofsaid swaging coupler includes said swaging sleeve; and d. wherein saidfirst end of said swaging coupler is swaged over said portion of saidanchor resting within said hollow interior to form an anchor swage,thereby attaching said swaging coupler to said anchor.
 8. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 2, wherein said attachment between saidswaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a swaging coupler, having afirst end, a second end, and a hollow interior; b. wherein said firstend of said swaging coupler is placed over said anchor so that a portionof said anchor rests within said hollow interior; c. wherein said secondend of said swaging coupler includes said swaging sleeve; and d. whereinsaid first end of said swaging coupler is swaged over said portion ofsaid anchor resting within said hollow interior to form an anchor swage,thereby attaching said swaging coupler to said anchor.
 9. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 3, wherein said attachment between saidswaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a swaging coupler, having afirst end, a second end, and a hollow interior; b. wherein said firstend of said swaging coupler is placed over said anchor so that a portionof said anchor rests within said hollow interior; c. wherein said secondend of said swaging coupler includes said swaging sleeve; and d. whereinsaid first end of said swaging coupler is swaged over said portion ofsaid anchor resting within said hollow interior to form an anchor swage,thereby attaching said swaging coupler to said anchor.
 10. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment between saidswaging sleeve and said anchor comprises forming said swaging sleeve asan integral part of said anchor.
 11. An attachment system as recited inclaim 2, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve and saidanchor comprises forming said swaging sleeve as an integral part of saidanchor.
 12. An attachment system as recited in claim 3, wherein saidattachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises formingsaid swaging sleeve as an integral part of said anchor.
 13. Anattachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a first thread on saidswaging sleeve; b. a second thread on said anchor; and c. wherein saidswaging sleeve is threadedly attached to said anchor by threadedlyengaging said first and second threads.
 14. An attachment system asrecited in claim 2, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeveand said anchor comprises: a. a first thread on said swaging sleeve; b.a second thread on said anchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve isthreadedly attached to said anchor by threadedly engaging said first andsecond threads.
 15. An attachment system as recited in claim 3, whereinsaid attachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises:a. a first thread on said swaging sleeve; b. a second thread on saidanchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve is threadedly attached tosaid anchor by threadedly engaging said first and second threads.
 16. Anattachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein: a. said swagingsurface on said rigging fixture opens into a cannelure; b. said swagingsleeve has a first end proximate said anchor and a second end distal tosaid anchor; and c. a portion of said distal end of said swaging sleeveis swaged into said cannelure.
 17. An attachment system as recited inclaim 2, wherein: a. said swaging surface on said rigging fixture opensinto a cannelure; b. said swaging sleeve has a first end proximate saidanchor and a second end distal to said anchor; and c. a portion of saiddistal end of said swaging sleeve is swaged into said cannelure.
 18. Anattachment system as recited in claim 3, wherein: a. said swagingsurface on said rigging fixture opens into a cannelure; b. said swagingsleeve has a first end proximate said anchor and a second end distal tosaid anchor; and c. a portion of said distal end of said swaging sleeveis swaged into said cannelure.
 19. An attachment system as recited inclaim 1, wherein: a. said anchor is attached to said cable by molding amolded region on said end of said cable to form an anchor; b. saidattachment between said swaging sleeve and said first end of said anchorincludes i. a swaging coupler, having a first end, a second end, and ahollow interior, ii. wherein said first end of said swaging coupler isplaced over said anchor so that a portion of said anchor rests withinsaid hollow interior, iii. wherein said second end of said swagingcoupler includes said swaging sleeve; and iv. wherein said first end ofsaid swaging coupler is swaged over said portion of said anchor lyingwithin said hollow interior to form an anchor swage, thereby attachingsaid swaging coupler to said anchor.
 20. An attachment system as recitedin claim 1, wherein: a. said swaging sleeve has an inner surface and anouter surface; and b. wherein said inner surface of said swaging sleeveincludes mechanical gripping features.
 21. An attachment system asrecited in claim 1, further comprising: a. a spacer, positioned oversaid swaging surface on said rigging fixture; b. wherein said spacer istrapped between said swaging sleeve and said swaging surface when saidswaging sleeve is swaged over said swaging surface.
 22. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a. wherein saidrigging fixture includes a hollow interior inside said swaging surface;and b. a reinforcing plug placed within said hollow interior of saidrigging fixture.
 23. A system for attaching a rigging fixture to an endof a cable, wherein said rigging fixture includes a hollow socket andwherein the surface defining said hollow socket is a swaging surface,comprising: a. an anchor, attached to said cable, wherein said anchorhas a first end proximate said end of said cable and a second endproximate to said cable but distal to said end of said cable; b. aswaging sleeve attached to said first end of said anchor and extendingaway from said cable; c. wherein said swaging surface of said riggingfixture is placed proximate said anchor; and d. wherein said swagingsurface of said rigging fixture is swaged onto said swaging sleeve inorder to mechanically lock said rigging fixture to said anchor.
 24. Anattachment system as recited in claim 23, wherein said anchor isattached to said cable by potting.
 25. An attachment system as recitedin claim 23, wherein said anchor is attached to said cable by mechanicalfriction.
 26. An attachment system as recited in claim 2, wherein: a.said anchor is attached to said cable by molding a molded region on saidend of said cable to form an anchor; b. said attachment between saidswaging sleeve and said first end of said anchor includes i. a swagingcoupler, having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior, ii.wherein said first end of said swaging coupler is placed over saidanchor so that a portion of said anchor rests within said hollowinterior, iii. wherein said second end of said swaging coupler includessaid swaging sleeve; and iv. wherein said first end of said swagingcoupler is swaged over said portion of said anchor lying within saidhollow interior to form an anchor swage, thereby attaching said swagingcoupler to said anchor.
 27. An attachment system as recited in claim 3,wherein: a. said anchor is attached to said cable by molding a moldedregion on said end of said cable to form an anchor; b. said attachmentbetween said swaging sleeve and said first end of said anchor includesi. a swaging coupler, having a first end, a second end, and a hollowinterior, ii. wherein said first end of said swaging coupler is placedover said anchor so that a portion of said anchor rests within saidhollow interior, iii. wherein said second end of said swaging couplerincludes said swaging sleeve; and iv. wherein said first end of saidswaging coupler is swaged over said portion of said anchor lying withinsaid hollow interior to form an anchor swage, thereby attaching saidswaging coupler to said anchor.
 28. An attachment system as recited inclaim 2, wherein: a. said swaging sleeve has an inner surface and anouter surface; and b. wherein said inner surface of said swaging sleeveincludes mechanical gripping features.
 29. An attachment system asrecited in claim 3, wherein: a. said swaging sleeve has an inner surfaceand an outer surface; and b. wherein said inner surface of said swagingsleeve includes mechanical gripping features.
 30. An attachment systemas recited in claim 2, further comprising: a. a spacer, positioned oversaid swaging surface on said rigging fixture; and b. wherein said spaceris trapped between said swaging sleeve and said swaging surface whensaid swaging sleeve is swaged over said swaging surface.
 31. Anattachment system as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a. aspacer, positioned over said swaging surface on said rigging fixture;and b. wherein said spacer is trapped between said swaging sleeve andsaid swaging surface when said swaging sleeve is swaged over saidswaging surface.
 32. An attachment system as recited in claim 2, furthercomprising: a. wherein said rigging fixture includes a hollow interiorinside said swaging surface; and b. a reinforcing plug placed withinsaid hollow interior of said rigging fixture.
 33. An attachment systemas recited in claim 3, further comprising: a. wherein said riggingfixture includes a hollow interior inside said swaging surface; and b. areinforcing plug placed within said hollow interior of said riggingfixture.
 34. An attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein: a.said anchor opens into an internal passage; and b. said anchor isattached to said cable by a knot which is too large to passthrough saidinternal passage in said anchor.
 35. An attachment as recited in claim1, wherein: a. said anchor includes a transverse hole and a cross pinlying within said transverse hole; and b. said anchor is attached tosaid cable by passing said cable around said cross pin.
 36. Anattachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises an anchor seat formed onsaid swaging sleeve and extending over a portion of said anchor.
 37. Anattachment system as recited in claim 2, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises an anchor seat formed onsaid swaging sleeve and extending over a portion of said anchor.
 38. Anattachment system as recited in claim 3, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises an anchor seat formed onsaid swaging sleeve and extending over a portion of said anchor.
 39. Anattachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment betweensaid swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a coupler; b. whereinsaid coupler is attached to said anchor; and c. wherein said swagingsleeve is attached to said coupler by a flange on said swaging sleevebearing against an overhang on said coupler.
 40. An attachment system asrecited in claim 2, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeveand said anchor comprises: a. a coupler; b. wherein said coupler isattached to said anchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve is attachedto said coupler by a flange on said swaging sleeve bearing against anoverhang on said coupler.
 41. An attachment system as recited in claim3, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchorcomprises: a. a coupler; b. wherein said coupler is attached to saidanchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve is attached to said couplerby a flange on said swaging sleeve bearing against an overhang on saidcoupler.
 42. An attachment system as recited in claim 7, furthercomprising a locking ring placed between said anchor and said swagingcoupler.
 43. An attachment system as recited in claim 8, furthercomprising a locking ring placed between said anchor and said swagingcoupler.
 44. An attachment system as recited in claim 9, furthercomprising a locking ring placed between said anchor and said swagingcoupler.
 45. An attachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein saidanchor is attached to said cable by a spike and cone connection.
 46. Anattachment system as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchor is attachedto said cable by passing an end of said cable around a portion of saidanchor and weaving said end back into said cable to create an interwovensection.
 47. An attachment system as recited in claim 45, wherein saidattachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. athreaded coupler; b. wherein said threaded coupler is threadedlyattached to said anchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve isthreadedly attached to said threaded coupler.
 48. An attachment systemas recited in claim 46, wherein said attachment between said swagingsleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a threaded coupler; b. wherein saidthreaded coupler is threadedly attached to said anchor; and c. whereinsaid swaging sleeve is threadedly attached to said threaded coupler. 49.An attachment system as recited in claim 45, wherein said attachmentbetween said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a swagingcoupler, having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior; b.wherein said first end of said swaging coupler is placed over saidanchor so that a portion of said anchor rests within said hollowinterior; c. wherein said second end of said swaging coupler includessaid swaging sleeve; and d. wherein said first end of said swagingcoupler is swaged over said portion of said anchor resting within saidhollow interior to form an anchor swage, thereby attaching said swagingcoupler to said anchor.
 50. An attachment system as recited in claim 46,wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchorcomprises: a. a swaging coupler, having a first end, a second end, and ahollow interior; b. wherein said first end of said swaging coupler isplaced over said anchor so that a portion of said anchor rests withinsaid hollow interior; c. wherein said second end of said swaging couplerincludes said swaging sleeve; and d. wherein said first end of saidswaging coupler is swaged over said portion of said anchor restingwithin said hollow interior to form an anchor swage, thereby attachingsaid swaging coupler to said anchor.
 51. An attachment system as recitedin claim 45, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve andsaid anchor comprises forming said swaging sleeve as an integral part ofsaid anchor.
 52. An attachment system as recited in claim 46, whereinsaid attachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprisesforming said swaging sleeve as an integral part of said anchor.
 53. Anattachment system as recited in claim 45, wherein said attachmentbetween said swaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a first threadon said swaging sleeve; b. a second thread on said anchor; and c.wherein said swaging sleeve is threadedly attached to said anchor bythreadedly engaging said first and second threads.
 54. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 46, wherein said attachment between saidswaging sleeve and said anchor comprises: a. a first thread on saidswaging sleeve; b. a second thread on said anchor; and c. wherein saidswaging sleeve is threadedly attached to said anchor by threadedlyengaging said first and second threads.
 55. An attachment system asrecited in claim 45, wherein: a. said swaging surface on said riggingfixture opens into a cannelure; b. said swaging sleeve has a first endproximate said anchor and a second end distal to said anchor; and c. aportion of said distal end of said swaging sleeve is swaged into saidcannelure.
 56. An attachment system as recited in claim 46, wherein: a.said swaging surface on said rigging fixture opens into a cannelure; b.said swaging sleeve has a first end proximate said anchor and a secondend distal to said anchor; and c. a portion of said distal end of saidswaging sleeve is swaged into said cannelure.
 57. An attachment systemas recited in claim 23, wherein said anchor is attached to said cable bya spike and cone connection.
 58. An attachment system as recited inclaim 23, wherein said anchor is attached to said cable by passing anend of said cable around a portion of said anchor and weaving said endback into said cable to create an interwoven section.
 59. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 45, wherein: a. said anchor is attached tosaid cable by molding a molded region on said end of said cable to forman anchor; b. said attachment between said swaging sleeve and said firstend of said anchor includes i. a swaging coupler, having a first end, asecond end, and a hollow interior, ii. wherein said first end of saidswaging coupler is placed over said anchor so that a portion of saidanchor rests within said hollow interior, iii. wherein said second endof said swaging coupler includes said swaging sleeve; and iv. whereinsaid first end of said swaging coupler is swaged over said portion ofsaid anchor lying within said hollow interior to form an anchor swage,thereby attaching said swaging coupler to said anchor.
 60. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 45, wherein: a. said anchor is attached tosaid cable by molding a molded region on said end of said cable to forman anchor; b. said attachment between said swaging sleeve and said firstend of said anchor includes i. a swaging coupler, having a first end, asecond end, and a hollow interior, ii. wherein said first end of saidswaging coupler is placed over said anchor so that a portion of saidanchor rests within said hollow interior, iii. wherein said second endof said swaging coupler includes said swaging sleeve; and iv. whereinsaid first end of said swaging coupler is swaged over said portion ofsaid anchor lying within said hollow interior to form an anchor swage,thereby attaching said swaging coupler to said anchor.
 61. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 45, wherein: a. said swaging sleeve has aninner surface and an outer surface; and b. wherein said inner surface ofsaid swaging sleeve includes mechanical gripping features.
 62. Anattachment system as recited in claim 46, wherein: a. said swagingsleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface; and b. wherein saidinner surface of said swaging sleeve includes mechanical grippingfeatures.
 63. An attachment system as recited in claim 45, wherein: a.said swaging sleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface; and b.wherein said inner surface of said swaging sleeve includes mechanicalgripping features.
 64. An attachment system as recited in claim 46,wherein: a. said swaging sleeve has an inner surface and an outersurface; and b. wherein said inner surface of said swaging sleeveincludes mechanical gripping features.
 65. An attachment system asrecited in claim 45, further comprising: a. a spacer, positioned oversaid swaging surface on said rigging fixture; and b. wherein said spaceris trapped between said swaging sleeve and said swaging surface whensaid swaging sleeve is swaged over said swaging surface.
 66. Anattachment system as recited in claim 46, further comprising: a. aspacer, positioned over said swaging surface on said rigging fixture;and b. wherein said spacer is trapped between said swaging sleeve andsaid swaging surface when said swaging sleeve is swaged over saidswaging surface.
 67. An attachment system as recited in claim 45,further comprising: a. wherein said rigging fixture includes a hollowinterior inside said swaging surface; and b. a reinforcing plug placedwithin said hollow interior of said rigging fixture.
 68. An attachmentsystem as recited in claim 46, further comprising: a. wherein saidrigging fixture includes a hollow interior inside said swaging surface;and b. a reinforcing plug placed within said hollow interior of saidrigging fixture.
 69. An attachment system as recited in claim 45,wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchorcomprises an anchor seat formed on said swaging sleeve and extendingover a portion of said anchor.
 70. An attachment system as recited inclaim 46, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve and saidanchor comprises an anchor seat formed on said swaging sleeve andextending over a portion of said anchor.
 71. An attachment system asrecited in claim 45, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeveand said anchor comprises: a. a coupler; b. wherein said coupler isattached to said anchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve is attachedto coupler by a flange on said swaging sleeve bearing against anoverhang on said coupler.
 72. An attachment system as recited in claim46, wherein said attachment between said swaging sleeve and said anchorcomprises: a. a coupler; b. wherein said coupler is attached to saidanchor; and c. wherein said swaging sleeve is attached to coupler by aflange on said swaging sleeve bearing against an overhang on saidcoupler.